PHOENIX – The Arizona Broadcasters Association is rebranding to the Arizona Media Association and adding more than 80 new members from print and digital operations this fall.

With these changes, the organization is set to represent more than 300 local media brands from radio, TV, print, and digital, creating an association that can even more aggressively support the critical role of local media in Arizona communities.

This rebranded Arizona Media Association (AMA) will also act as the umbrella organization for a soon-to-launch Arizona Local News Foundation that will fundraise for the future of local news and award grants that foster innovation and news expansion in every corner of Arizona.

As part of this transition, the Arizona Newspapers Association will sunset operations and its two staff leaders have accepted roles to join the Arizona Media Association.

All operations at the newly rebranded association will continue to be governed by a diverse board of local media leaders under the day-to-day leadership of AMA President and CEO Chris Kline.

The AMA will also be supported with the following full-time staff leaders and core contract partners:

Lisa Simpson, Executive Director of Member Services

Megan Livengood, Executive Director of the Arizona Local News Foundation

Barbeth Shea Pinkney, Director of Development

Sarah Flynn, Project Manager

John Moody, Arizona Media Lobbyist

The mission of this new Arizona Media Association will remain wholly focused on support that can futureproof a large and diverse local media focused on community connection all across Arizona.

The AMA already funds paid internships and training, invests in paid marketing campaigns, funds annual research to look at Arizona consumer habits and defends press freedom in the Arizona courts alongside lobbying at the state legislature. This new Arizona Media Association expects to expand these core services in the months ahead.

The full transition starts immediately and will be completed no later than December 31, 2023. For questions or press inquiries, contact Chris Kline, chris@azmedia.org or 602-252-4833.